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On Aug 14 2013 by Klasko Immigration

A Look at FY2013 Conrad 30 Usage

Our recent survey of current practices in the Conrad State 30 Programs revealed few substantive program changes, but certainly a large uptick in the number of spots filled. As background, the Conrad State 30 Program provides every state with the ability to recommend up to thirty J-1 waivers for physicians serving underserved communities. Participation in the State 30 waiver program is solely at the discretion of the state, and states have broad discretion to determine how best to use, or not to use, these thirty waivers.

With fifty different states each with varying needs and priorities, there has been significant variation among the State 30 programs. Moreover, many states change their requirements from year to year. However, based on our recent survey, it seems fewer states have changed their substantive requirements lately. What has changed is the rate at which these State 30 programs are filling up. Whereas a few years ago only about 12 of the 50 states filled all 30 slots, in FY2013 22 states filled all 30 slots. Moreover, even those states that did not use all their slots experienced a higher number of recommendations. For example, Alabama went from 6 to 20, Colorado from 3 to 8, Kansas from 9 to 23, and Oklahoma from 10 to 20.

As detailed in my article 50 Ways to 30 Waivers: The Conrad State 30 Program, there are a number of substantive commonalities and variances among the various State 30 Programs, as well as procedural differences. Each state is at liberty to make its own rules regarding filing fees, processing times, application periods, deadlines, use of specific forms, and whether to us all thirty slots or none at all. With almost every state experiencing an increase in J-1 waiver submissions, and with the new fiscal year just 6 weeks away, now is the time to get a better sense of the programs, their requirements, and what you need to be successful.